BLOCH, Ernest

Suite hébraïque for viola and orchestra (viola and piano reduction)

I. Rapsodie

Lawrence Power, guest professor

Hugo Sergio Hidalgo Herrera, student

Antonia Valente, accompanying pianist

After the student's performance, Prof. Power comments that it lacked variety in colors and dynamics: he should make more use of tools like bow speed, pressure, vibrato, especially paying attention to the sound of the E string. It is a rhapsody and should sound very free. Returning to the beginning, they review rhythmic issues, phrasing and articulation, fingerings to better control intonation, and other recommendations to achieve a better expressiveness of the text with his interpretation, of what Bloch's piece is conveying at each moment (he should enrich it with a richer vocabulary: accents where appropriate, portato, vibrato, clarity, and sound quality).

Regarding technique, he advises not to lose the point of contact, to maintain it more, with the bow more parallel to the bridge to avoid playing with too much hair. This can be practiced in front of a mirror, paying special attention to the position of the elbow. 

Additionally, Professor Power suggests not always using the same vibrato. He continues recommending that the student not lift the bow when playing a certain part, but rather keep it on the string and parallel to the bridge as much as possible, for which he proposes an exercise. Regarding chords, he also provides guidance on bow usage to achieve better quality.

Power suggests changes in bow direction and fingering to achieve more appropriate expression in certain moments.

Language: English